Total pages in book: 19
Estimated words: 17895 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 89(@200wpm)___ 72(@250wpm)___ 60(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 17895 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 89(@200wpm)___ 72(@250wpm)___ 60(@300wpm)
"Occasionally," he murmurs, scooping up another bite onto the fork before holding it out to me. I lean forward, wrapping my lips around the utensil to pull the pasta into my mouth. He grunts softly, readjusting beneath me. "But I accepted that I'd never play again before I landed on the green the day my knee blew."
"Really?"
"I knew it was coming." He wipes a bit of sauce from my lip before sucking his finger into his mouth to lick it off. "I was surprised to make it that far in the season before it went."
"You were playing injured?"
"Most guys who make it to the league are playing injured. Football isn't a forgiving sport. We all know our time is limited, so we do with it what we can and hope for the best." He scoops up another bite, his gaze roaming over my face. "I enjoy coaching."
"Could have fooled me," I mumble, accepting the bite.
He smirks at me, shaking his head. "They need someone to ride their asses, angel. Without that discipline, they fall apart. I've seen it a thousand times. As soon as you give an inch, they want a mile. And when they're offered a contract worth millions, along with everything that comes with it, they go too far. They have to learn now, before they fall flat on their faces later."
"You really care about them."
"Does that surprise you?" he asks, one brow arched.
"No. I just…" I shrug. "I've always seen it," I say softly. "You pay attention to the little things, even when you're being a bear about the big stuff. I guess it's just…" I trail off again, not sure how to explain. "I guess I just never expected you to be this open with me about it, or about anything, really. Usually, you're growling or snapping or bossing me around. You never let yourself just be human with me."
"Because I knew if I did, there was a big chance that you'd see too much and walk out of my life," he says quietly, stretching to set the bowl on the nightstand. "I put up walls and put you on one side, made you untouchable, so I couldn't cross a line."
"I wanted to quit," I whisper.
"But you didn't."
"No." I peek up at him, meeting his gaze. "I don't think I ever would have. Even when you were unbearable, I still wanted to be there. I love my job, Stone. I love working for you and the team. I love Hector and Ms. Wanda, Jim, and all the students. Even when you annoy me, I love feeling like I'm part of this big, crazy family there." I smile softly. "I never really had that, you know. My grandma raised me before she died when I was in college. Aside from my friends, I've kind of been on my own. It's nice being surrounded by so many people who care."
He groans softly, leaning down to kiss my lips. "I'm going to try like hell to not be a Thanos-level villain going forward."
"Okay. Then I guess I'll try not to strangle you," I reply against his lips, earning a rough laugh.
"You'll only try, huh?"
"Well, I mean, rumor has it that men like to be strangled occasionally and in certain ways."
"Yeah?" He pulls back to meet my gaze. "You talking about with your legs around my head, Seraphina? Because I'm down for it. Matter of fact…" He slides down on the bed and then plants his hands on my waist, hauling me up.
"What are you doing?" I cry, scrabbling for something to hold onto as he drags me where he wants me, leaving me straddling his face.
"Testing your theory," he growls. "Sit on my face and don't get up until you're coming all over my tongue."
"You're so bossy," I gasp.
He swats me on the ass, his breath hot against my sex. "Punish me for it, angel. Ride my face."
I don't tell him no. I'm delusional, not stupid.
Waking up with Stone in my bed is a dream come true in a whole lot of ways. First, there's the fact that he's so peaceful when he sleeps. He's soft in a way that's brand-new, and I love it. Second is the fact that I get orgasms before I'm even fully awake. And then there's the whole couple's shower situation, where I get more orgasms.
By the time he leaves to run to his place to change before work, I'm not entirely sure my legs are going to function properly today. But I let him kiss me senseless at the door anyway, eager to find out.
"Hey, Stone?" I ask before he can step outside.
"Yeah, angel?"
"Can we…" I bite my lip, fidgeting. "Can we not repeat yesterday? I mean…um, I just think…"
"Hey." He strides back toward me, tipping my head back. "You don't owe me an explanation, Seraphina. If you want me to keep my goddamn hands to myself at work, that's all you have to say. I'll respect that."